Lateral Knee Pain: Differential Diagnosis and Management
Presented by Dan Rhon
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Lateral knee pain can arise from a variety of disorders, the most common being overuse injury, frequently observed in runners, cyclists, and other active populations. Most often attributed to iliotibial band friction syndrome (ITBFS), lateral knee pain can stem from multiple mechanical, anatomical, and training-related factors. This course provides a structured approach to understanding the anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral knee, identifying risk factors, conducting effective clinical assessments, and guiding evidence-informed, conservative treatment. Through clinical reasoning, special test demonstrations, and discussion of current best practices, learners will gain practical tools for differential diagnosis and management. This course is designed for physical therapists, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation professionals working in outpatient orthopedic and sports medicine settings.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the mechanisms contributing to common overuse injuries of the lateral knee, including the flexion–extension mechanics of the iliotibial band
- Categorize the key components of the subjective examination
- Determine the essential elements of a comprehensive knee physical examination and associated differential diagnoses
- Examine the evidence supporting exercise therapy in the management of lateral knee pain disorders
Meet your instructor
Dan Rhon
Dr. Dan Rhon is a clinician, active researcher, and assistant professor at Baylor University in Texas. He received an MPT and DSc through Baylor University and then a DPT through Temple University. He attended a manual therapy clinical fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, is a fellow in the American Academy of…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Basic Anatomy and Biomechanics of the Lateral Knee Complex
This chapter explores the structure and function of the iliotibial band (ITB) and its interaction with surrounding musculature and bony landmarks. Understanding the biomechanical role of the ITB during movement is essential for identifying the sources of lateral knee pain and guiding clinical decisions.
2. Epidemiology and Etiology of Lateral Knee Pain
Clinicians will examine the prevalence, risk factors, and proposed mechanisms behind lateral knee pain, including ITBFS. This chapter discusses potential contributors such as compression of underlying structures, anatomical variations, and training errors, helping clinicians better profile at-risk individuals.
3. Subjective Evaluation
This chapter outlines the essential components of a thorough subjective assessment, emphasizing the patient’s description of symptom behavior, aggravating and easing factors, and training history. A well-structured subjective exam lays the groundwork for an accurate clinical hypothesis.
4. Objective Evaluation
In this chapter, learners will review physical examination techniques used to identify lateral knee pain, including the Noble test, Renne test, and Ober test. The focus is on reproducing the patient’s symptoms, assessing contributing movement patterns, and ruling out adjacent joint involvement to support a comprehensive differential diagnosis.
5. Overview of Best Evidence for Nonsurgical Management
This chapter presents current evidence and expert recommendations for conservative care of lateral knee pain, including strategies such as stretching, strengthening, manual therapy, and load management. While high-level evidence remains limited, clinicians will learn how to apply foundational rehabilitation principles to guide recovery and return to activity.
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